From Lia Mai Puskar, Preschool Director …
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. Psalm 23:1
It was a good feeling when I realized while pondering the many topics that I could write about today, that I really lack absolutely nothing. This may come as quite a surprise to many, but I can face the nitty-gritty of life and smile. Here’s one reason why:
On the day before Mother’s Day, my sister Hedy and I drove to my mother’s assisted living facility and brought her home. We hadn’t been allowed to enter the facility since March 12. The days and weeks ticked by, and it became increasingly obvious that we wouldn’t be seeing our mother anytime soon. A low point was her 91st birthday, when she had to spend it alone, without any of us. We were fortunate in that we could Skype, FaceTime, and Zoom with her during those 2 long months, but it became evident that the lack of our physical presence was taking a toll on our mother. Sure, she could “see” us, but let’s face it, nothing beats the human touch.
We started making plans to bring her to my home. A lot went into the planning: coordinating with hospice, interviewing and arranging schedules with nurses’ aides, having a stair lift installed, as well as the hospital bed and geri-chair delivered. (If you don’t know what that is, you will one day, along with all of the other indignities that come with aging.) We were finally ready. I composed the letter and hit send to the facility on Tuesday before Mother’s Day, informing them that this was an unsustainable arrangement for our family. (And yes, we understand why they can’t allow visitors).
We arrived at about 2 pm on that Saturday afternoon. The nurses’ aides wheeled Mamma out in her wheelchair, and when she saw us, she burst into tears of joy. It was one of the sweetest moments of my life. I thank God that I’ll always have that beautiful memory and the feeling of shared sheer joy, knowing that as a mother, all my mother wanted was to see and hug and hold her children.
Mother’s Day was wonderful, knowing that we had given our own mother the best gift that we could. Naturally, there’s been an adjustment period, and there will continue to be, as my mother has Alzheimer’s along with other physical ailments. It’s not easy, but life isn’t easy. It can be fantastic one moment, and then it can turn on a dime. Prayer is helping me through every day, and every moment. I thank God for His obvious presence in all of it. I’m so thankful that I can say I lack nothing. I have God, my husband, my family, a home, food on the table, and Mamma at home.